Full Sail Releases Shortest Day CDA

Are the short, dark days bringing you down? Hang in there, because the Winter Solstice arrives on
December 21 and brings us more sunlight with each passing day! To celebrate the event, Full Sail Brewing has released Shortest Day CDA.

The Cascadian Dark Ale (also known as Black IPA) emerged in popularity in 2010, when it was first recognized as a style at the Great American Beer Festival. I always enjoyed CDAs and remember seeing many in wide release between 2010-2013. Styles ebb and flow in popularity, and CDAs haven't been as widely available in recent years. I haven't had one in quite a while, so I was excited to learn about this new release from Full Sail. Here are my tasting notes from the sample the brewery sent:

Poured into a Spieglau IPA glass. Near black in color, with a frothy tan head that dissipates very slowly, leaving lots of sticky lacing on the glass. Aroma starts with a strong dose of pine followed by citrus. In taste, I noticed toasted malt, chocolate, coffee, in addition to piney and citrus hop notes. It's medium, bodied, moderately carbonated and has a resiny mouth feel. It finishes with lingering citrus bitterness. On paper, you'd think that the "malty" flavors of chocolate and coffee would clash with the "hoppy" citrus and pine flavors. They don't. It just works...

Toast to the Winter Solstice with Full Sail’s New Shortest Day CDADark malts and bright hops balance this award-winning, medium-bodied Cascadian Dark Ale

Hood River, Oregon – The shortest day of the year means the longest night, with more time to drink Full Sail’s new, perfectly balanced Shortest Day Cascadian Dark Ale. Shortest Day CDA, which has already won a gold medal from this year’s Great International Beer & Cider Competition, is brewed with 2-row pale, crystal, and de-husked chocolate malts. It pours a deep dark black with a lacy tan head, with aromas of dark roasty malt and hints of tropical and citrus fruit.

The hand-drawn artwork by Portland-based TWEEQiM creativeLab’s MiQ Willmott on all of Full Sail’s recently rebranded packaging pays homage to Hood River’s water sources, bounty of fresh ingredients, and of course, the award-winning taste in each and every bottle. Shortest Day CDA’s label design does all this and more. Willmott’s meticulous design features the Green Man—known in lore as the mascot of the winter solstice—fashioned from hops, celebrating the darkness of night and rebirth, as days begin getting longer again. “The Green Man’s crescent-moon smile reflects on the river,” says Willmott. “And the white stars represent the ‘winter circle,’ the phenomenon of stars that appear only on the winter solstice. Even the Big Dipper gets a cameo.”

“The symbolism of the label design draws attention to the well-balanced, ridiculously delicious ale inside,” says Full Sail Brewmaster Jim Kelter. “Enjoy this Brewmaster Reserve selection on the shortest day of the year and any other day this season, while it lasts.”

Full Sail’s Brewmaster Reserve series allows the brewmasters to put their creativity, innovation and passion into small, limited-release beers. These craft brews highlight the direct connection with Full Sail’s farmers, celebrate the art of barrel aging, and explore the effects of time. Over the years, Full Sail’s Brewmaster Reserve series has earned 18 gold medals. Brewed in small batches, Brewmaster Reserve Shortest Day CDA is only available November through February, in 22 oz. bottles and draft. 6.6% ABV, 57 IBUs.

About Full Sail Brewing Company

Perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the mighty Columbia River’s epic wind and kite surfing and the snow-capped volcanic peaks of Mt. Hood, Full Sail is a true craft-brewing pioneer. Since 1987, Full Sail has been pouring pure Mt. Hood water, local ingredients and responsible processes into each and every pint. Full Sail’s brews and sustainable practices have garnered more than 300 national and international awards, including 150 gold medals and Beverage World ‘s “Craft Brewer of the Year” distinction. From Full Sail Amber and IPA to Session Lager and bourbon barrel-aged beers, Full Sail consistently strives to brew complex, balanced and ridiculously tasty beers. Learn more at www.fullsailbrewing.com.